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 This April 19-25 marks National Volunteer Week and a time to acknowledge our wonderful corps of volunteers. They're out front helping the visiting public and behind-the-scenes working tirelessly on myriad projects. They do research. They garden. They serve as trustees and committee members. They help with events, they prepare mailings and give tours. And the Museum simply couldn't do it all--and be the special place that it is--without them. Read the sidebar at right for an inspiring article by one of our volunteers. The next time you're in for a visit, thank a volunteer for sharing his or her time and talent...and then please consider becoming a volunteer yourself!
Sincerely,
The Brick Store Museum |
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Join the Flock for the 2009 Spring Classic
 Sunnier skies, warmer temperatures, and longer days are on their way...sure signs that we're planning for the Museum's 12th Annual Golf Tournament & Dinner to be held on Monday, June 1st at Kennebunk Beach's Webhannet Golf Club.
It'll be here before you know it, so hurry up and "join the flock"--whether as a golfer, sponsor, or prize donor!
Golfer and sponsorship rates have not increased, and golfers will enjoy 18 holes sponsored by community-minded businesses, competitions and prizes, a social hour, and a raffle and silent auction --all capped off by a fabulous catered dinner! DOWNLOAD the registration form, and register by May 18! >>(PDF, 336k) |
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May Day at the Museum
 Next Saturday, May 2nd, marks downtown Kennebunk's 11th annual May Day celebration, and as part of the festivities, we'll be offering a series of free, family-friendly, rain-or-shine activities from 10AM to 1PM at the Museum:
- Historical May baskets display, plus: how Lafayette Park got its name!
See the Museum's collection of historical May baskets made by former Park Street resident Sarah Owen. Also, learn the fascinating history behind Kennebunk's Lafayette Park, site of additional May Day festivities. The display is the Museum's newest History Showcase, made possible by the museum's proud business partners: Jeffrey A. Bonney, CFP®; Captain Jefferds Inn; Captain Lord Mansion; Cole Harrison Insurance; and Ocean Bank.
- Make-your-own May basket activity station
Especially for children, carry on the May Day tradition of Sarah Owen by decorating and filling May baskets with trinkets and goodies.
- Walking tours of the Historic District
Take a short guided stroll through the upper square of Kennebunk's Historic District, the first in Maine! Hear about all the things the Brick Store's buildings were before becoming a museum in 1936, and learn fascinating tidbits about other Main Street properties.
- Tours of the Museum's collections vaults
Witness first-hand the stunning results of the museum's recent structural renovations by going behind-the-scenes to see where and how some of the Museum's 70,000 artifacts are preserved. In the galleries, view the Hands-on History projects made by the elementary school students through the "Stretch Beyond" program. Finally, catch Renovations Revealed, a new exhibition exploring the renovations through artifacts, more than 40 construction photos, materials...and the very buildings themselves! | |
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Archivist Seeks Your Help 
Our archivist Roz Magnuson needs your help. She's writing a new book entitled 'Learning is an Ornament' about the history of the Kennebunk school system from its earliest days up until the formation of MSAD 71. She's in the home stretch for a summer publication date but is still looking for elusive photographs of several of the old schools, specifically: Lower Village School, Upper Alewive, Lower Alewive, the Plains and Cat Mousam.
If you happen to have photographs of those buildings (or anything else related to the early schools) stowed away in your attic or scrapbook, Roz would love to hear from you and borrow your photographs just long enough to digitally scan them at the Museum. It takes only a few minutes, and you would be given credit in the book!
Give her a call at 207-985-4802, ext. 208 or drop her an email. Many thanks! |
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Renovations Update
 The carpentry work as part of our gallery renovations is almost done, and even before the last of the sawdust has settled, we've already had not one but two great events in the space. More than 90 visitors attended Preservation Station on April 11, saw our renovations in progress, and learned from an assortment of area specialists on how best to care for their family heirlooms. Then, just last week, our newest junior curators--elementary school students from the spring session of "Stretch Beyond"--put their projects on display in one of our freshly-painted galleries; they'll remain on view through May 2 and then travel to the lobby display cases at Kennebunk Elementary.
 What else is going on? After a few weeks of being "offline" for structural repairs, our Archives Center is back open for visiting researchers. Crews improved fire hatch access and restored ventilation to our attics. Programmable thermostats and several LED lights have been installed to help us be more energy-efficient, and after more than a couple decades of wear, a new roof is going on one of our buildings this week. Be sure to check out our homepage with the updated slideshow of the renovations (including photos of a reopened entryway and new rear stairwells). Our carpenters will be wrapping up here in the next couple of days and then returning in mid-May for a few weeks to complete the remaining exterior work. |
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Welcome back, Business Partners!
What do all the businesses below have in common? They've all recently renewed their commitment for 2009-2010 in support of the Museum as proud Business Partners. Our Business Partners' genuine interest and generosity speak volumes. Let them know you appreciate them and what they do for the Museum. Click HERE to learn more about our Business Partner Program and how your business can join in making the Museum an even more vibrant place for all. 
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Last Chance to Vote for the Museum! 
April 30th is just around the corner and is the last date for casting your vote for the Brick Store Museum on the Kennebunk Savings 2009 Community Investment ballot. If you're a Kennebunk Savings customer, remember that every vote for the Museum counts toward valuable grant money allowing us to continue delivering the quality programs and exhibitions you've come to know and love. Thanks for your support! | |
The Brick Store Museum is located at 117 Main Street in the heart of Kennebunk's National Register Historic District. For more than 70 years, the Museum has been dedicated to preserving the Kennebunks' rich cultural and artistic heritage. Its galleries and research archives are open year-round (closed holidays), Tuesdays-Fridays, 10-4:30 and Saturdays, 10-1. Admission is by donation; suggested $5/person. For more information, check us out at www.brickstoremuseum.org, or give us a call at 207.985.4802. | |
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INSIDE SPOTLIGHT:
Diary of a Happy Volunteerby museum volunteer
Natalie Richdale
Volunteer Natalie Richdale is among approximately 100 volunteers of all ages who give generously of their time and talents each year in support of the museum's mission. Read on as Natalie chronicles her "Diary of a Happy Volunteer":
Day 1
Visit the Brick Store Museum and decide it would be fun to volunteer there. Sign up.
Day 2
Receive a phone call from the museum's archivist, Roz Magnuson who needs someone to help her do research for her upcoming book on the history of Kennebunk schools.
Day 3
Find that the research is to consist of going through all the old Kennebunk Star newspapers for references to schools, starting in 1886. Talk about interesting!
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Did You Know...
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Upcoming...
May 23, 2009
Over Here & "Over There!" Memorial Day Weekend Concert by Monica Grabin
June 16, 2009
69th Annual Members' Meeting |
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Check out our
"artifact of the month"
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E-Newsletter Sponsored by our Proud Business Partners:
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Become a "FAN" of the Museum, spread the word about us, find others with your interests, and share your feedback! | |
